Obstetrician/gynocologist Alexandra Spadola, MD, medical director of the Regional Perinatal Center, provides an overview of the comprehensive services available to women with special needs during pregnancy. The center’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate care to patients with complicated pregnancies throughout the Central New York Region, using a multi-disciplinary team approach utilizing physicians, nurses and other health care professionals in an integrated service.

Juliann Mellen, RD, Upstate registered dietitian and certified diabetic educator, reinforces the importance of eating healthy during pregnancy, but cautions that not all foods are safe, and foodborne illness is a serious issue. Read more: FoodSafety.gov

Onondaga County Health Commissioner Cynthia Morrow, MD, MPH is joined by Gail Banach, director of Public Education & Communications for the Upstate New York Poison Center, to talk about local efforts to reduce the number of babies born to drug-dependent moms in Onondaga County. For free and confidential support call the Hopeline at (315) 218-1965.

Upstate gynecologic oncologist Rinki Agarwal, MD discusses the risk factors and treatment options for gynecologic cancers, and the comprehensive services available at Upstate. Gynecologic cancers are the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells originating in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.

Upstate family planning expert Renee Mestad, MD is joined by Kazim Chohan, PhD, director of Upstate’s Andrology Laboratory, to discuss the findings of Chohan’s recent study on common sexual lubricants and their impact on conception. They also talk about other things that may impede a couples’ chances of conceiving.

Adolescent medicine specialist Karen Teelin, MD, responds to reports that teen pregnancy rates are significantly higher in the US than in any other industrialized country. Teelin describes many modern birth control options available for young women today, and the growing popularity and efficacy of the IUD and implants. Learn more about: University Pediatric and Adolescent Center